CARNAVAL SAN FRANCISCOTHe Grand Parade is one of the highlights of San Francisco's Carnaval, which returns to the Mission District on Meworial Day Weekend.

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Dan Price, left, sneaks a quick look at some classic cars such as the silver Ford at center on July 11, 2010, at the second annual Hot San Jose Nights car show, held at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds July 9-11. It featured hundreds of classic cars and included other activities such as slotcar racing and a car auction. (Masaru Oka/Mercury News)

The fair and festival season is upon us. That means it’s time to get out, enjoy the sun, gaze at eye-popping arts and crafts, catch some great live music and entertainment, and devour all manner of delicious food and drink that’s bad for you (and even some that isn’t).

To help your planning, here’s a rundown of some of the many fairs and festivals going on in the Bay Area.

Note: July Fourth celebrations lineups will be published separately. Also, we are not including major music and entertainment festivals like Outside Lands and San Jose Jazz Summer Fest; our focus here is on the street festivals, fairs and cultural and ethnic celebrations from now through Labor Day weekend.

We will be updating this list thoughout the summer. Please send news releases on fair and festivals and such to gyoung@mercurynews.com.

SAN FRANCISCO ETHNIC DANCE FESTIVAL: More than 31 dance companies perform dance styles from around the world. June 6-7, 13-14, 21 and 27; Palace of Fine Arts and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco; $28-$48 first two weekends, free Indian dance performance June 21, film screening Jun 27 ($16-$22); http://worldartswest.org/main/edf_index.asp

SAN MATEO COUNTY FAIR: Carnival rides, livestock and agricultural exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment including Jefferson Starship and Tony! Toni! Tone! and Tower of Power. June 6-14; San Mateo County Expo Center, 2495 Delaware St., San Mateo; $6-$8 until June 2, $8-$10 after June 2, parking $10; www.sanmateocountyfair.com.

NORTH BEACH FESTIVAL: More than 100 arts and crafts booths, gourmet food and drink vendors; blessing of the animals; kids’ chalk art area and other activities, Italian street painting, live entertainment on two stages. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 13-14; Washington Square Park, Grant Avenue near Columbus Avenue, San Francisco; www.sresproductions.com.

FOUNTAIN BLUES FESTIVAL: Tommy Castro, Carolyn Wonderland, John Nemeth, Nikki Hill are among featured performers. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. June 20; St. James Park, North First and St. John streets; $15-$60; http://fountainbluesfestival.com.

SAN FRANCISCO LGBT PRIDE CELEBRATION AND PARADE: Live entertainment and presentations on more than 20 stages, more than 300 nonprofit and other vendor booths, food and drink. Parade begins 10:30 a.m. June 28 at Market and Beale streets. Noon-6 p.m. June 27, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. June 28; Civic Center, San Francisco; $5-$10 requested donation; www.sfpride.org.

JULY 3-9

FILLMORE JAZZ FESTIVAL: More than 20 acts on three stages each day, performers include Kim Nalley and Faye Carol; dancing and dance lessons, food and drink; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 4-5; Fillmore Street between and Jackson and Eddy streets, San Francisco; free admission; www.fillmorejazzfestival.com.

FREMONT FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: More than 700 artists’ booths, live music on three stages, kids’ activities, food and drink. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 1-2; Capital Avenue, between Paseo Parkway and State streets; free admission; www.fremontfestival.net.

Analysts said Sunday's launch of what the Israeli military said was a midrange surface-to-surface missile may have been an attempt by Iran to establish a level of deterrence against Israel, which has repeatedly bombed its military assets in the country.

European leaders have repeatedly said the deal May presented to Parliament last week, painfully negotiated over months and months, was the best they could offer. And they have been reluctant to resume any discussions until Britain can present a more united front.